Peeling bar for peeling polarizing film from panel, peeling apparatus and peeling method using the same (as amended)

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a peeling bar, apparatus, and method for peeling a polarizing film from a panel. This invention can minimize friction between the peeling bar and the polarizing film since the peeled polarizing film is in contact with a roller of the peeling bar. The radius of the roller of the peeling bar and the inclined surface of the fixing unit are designed to minimize the Z-axis component of a shearing force applied to the polarizing film. Also, in order to equalize tension applied to the polarizing film in a peeling process, this invention makes both ends of the polarizing film closely adhere to the peeling bar. 
     According to this invention, fracture of the polarizing film is prevented, and thereby the polarizing film can be stably peeled from the panel without fracture.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to technology of peeling a polarizing filmfrom a panel and, more particularly, to a peeling bar, a peelingapparatus, and a peeling method for preventing the fracture of thepolarizing film when peeling the polarizing film attached to the panel.

BACKGROUND ART

Normally a polarizing film is attached to a panel of an image displaydevice and produces polarized light that vibrates in a specificdirection and displays an image. Sometimes there may be bubble or anyother foreign matter between the panel and the polarizing film. In thiscase, the polarizing film should be peeled from the panel by using apeeling apparatus.

However, when the polarizing film is peeled from the panel, certainirregular tension applied to the polarizing film may cause the fractureof the polarizing film. This fracture needs additional manual laborwhich is quite cumbersome and also increases the entire time of apeeling process. Additionally, when such fracture occurs, adhesive usedfor attachment between the polarizing film and the panel often invitesunclean surroundings.

DISCLOSURE Technical Problem

The object of the present invention is to provide a peeling bar, apeeling apparatus, and a peeling method for stably peeling a polarizingfilm so that a reduced frictional force is applied to the polarizingfilm when the polarizing film is peeled from a panel, and also so thattension is uniformly applied to the polarizing film by preventing stressconcentration at the polarizing film during a peeling process.

Technical Solution

In order to accomplish the aforesaid object, according to an embodimentof the present invention, a peeling bar for peeling a polarizing filmfrom a panel includes a guide unit, a fixing unit, and a roller. Thefixing unit is combined with a front part of the guide unit. The rolleris installed rotatably on the fixing unit and is configured to preventfracture of the polarizing film being peeled.

According to an embodiment of this invention, the peeling bar mayfurther include a magnetic unit, which is mounted apart from the rollerand is configured to prevent a rotation axis of the roller from sagging.

According to an embodiment of this invention, in the peeling bar, aradius of the roller may range from 4 mm to 30 mm, preferably, 5 mm.

According to an embodiment of this invention, in the peeling bar, thefixing unit may include an inclined surface configured to connect anupper part of the roller with the guide unit. An inclined angle of theinclined surface may range from 20 degrees to 40 degrees, preferable, 30degrees.

According to an embodiment of this invention, in the peeling bar, theroller may be combined with the fixing unit through a bearing and awasher.

According to an embodiment of this invention, a peeling apparatus forpeeling a polarizing film from a panel includes a stage, a clamper, apeeling bar, and a controller. The stage is configured to place thereonthe panel having the polarizing film attached thereto. The clamper isconfigured to clamp a part of the polarizing film peeled from the panel.The peeling bar is configured to be moved on the polarizing film toprevent the polarizing film from being bent steeply when the polarizingfilm is peeled from the panel. The controller is configured to move atleast one of the stage and the clamper to peel the polarizing film suchthat tension is uniformly applied to the polarizing film by preventingstress concentration at a peeling position of the polarizing film.

According to an embodiment of this invention, in the peeling apparatus,the controller may be further configured to rotate at least one of thestage, the peeling bar and the clamper and thereby to make both ends ofthe polarizing film closely adhere to the peeling bar such that tensionis applied uniformly to the polarizing film at the peeling position.

According to an embodiment of this invention, in the peeling apparatus,the stage may be installed to be freely rotated by an external force.Therefore, the stage may be rotated by tension applied to the polarizingfilm, and thereby both ends of the polarizing film can closely adhere tothe peeling bar such that tension is applied uniformly to the polarizingfilm at the peeling position. In this case, the controller performs acontrol for moving the stage linearly or moving the clamper withoutperforming a control for rotating the stage.

According to an embodiment of this invention, in the peeling apparatus,the controller may be further configured to move at least one of thestage and the clamper and thereby to make both ends of the polarizingfilm closely adhere to the peeling bar such that tension is applieduniformly to the polarizing film at the peeling position.

According to an embodiment of this invention, the peeling apparatus mayfurther include an accelerant spray unit, which is configured to spray apeeling accelerant to the peeling position. The stage may include anaccelerant storage configured to prevent the peeling accelerant fromseeping.

According to an embodiment of this invention, in the peeling apparatus,the stage may include a plurality of flat-type heaters, which areconfigured to apply heat uniformly to an entire surface thereof.

According to an embodiment of this invention, in the peeling apparatus,the peeling bar may be adjustable in height. Also, a gap between thepeeling bar and the panel may be adjustable.

According to an embodiment of this invention, in the peeling apparatus,the clamper may be configured to adjust a peeling load applied to thepolarizing film in a peeling process.

According to an embodiment of this invention, a peeling method forpeeling a polarizing film from a panel includes a placing step, a fixingstep, and a peeling step. In the placing step, the panel having thepolarizing film attached thereto is placed on a stage. In the fixingstep, a part of the polarizing film is fixed to a clamper after the partof the polarizing film is peeled from the panel, wherein a peeling baris located at a peeling position, and wherein the peeled polarizing filmis in contact with a roller of the peeling bar. In the peeling step, thepolarizing film is peeled by moving at least one of the clamper and thestage, wherein the polarizing film being in contact with the roller ofthe peeling bar is prevented from being bent steeply.

According to an embodiment of this invention, in the peeling method, thepeeling step may include rotating at least one of the stage, the peelingbar and the clamper, and thereby making both ends of the polarizing filmclosely adhere to the peeling bar such that tension is applied uniformlyto the polarizing film at the peeling position.

According to an embodiment of this invention, in the peeling method, thepeeling step may include, when the stage is installed to be freelyrotated by an external force, allowing the stage to be rotated bytension applied to the polarizing film, and thereby allowing both endsof the polarizing film to closely adhere to the peeling bar such thattension is applied uniformly to the polarizing film at the peelingposition.

According to an embodiment of this invention, in the peeling method, thepeeling step may include moving at least one of the stage and theclamper, and thereby making both ends of the polarizing film closelyadhere to the peeling bar such that tension is applied uniformly to thepolarizing film at the peeling position.

According to an embodiment of this invention, in the peeling method, thepeeling step may include spraying a peeling accelerant to the peelingposition.

According to an embodiment of this invention, in the peeling method, atleast one of the fixing step and the peeling step may include applyingheat to the panel through a plurality of flat-type heaters installed toapply heat uniformly to an entire surface of the stage.

Advantageous Effects

According to the present invention, since the polarizing film beingpeeled is in contact with the roller of the peeling bar, a frictionalforce applied to the polarizing film can be minimized and thus thefracture of the polarizing film can be prevented. Additionally, theradius of the roller of the peeling bar and the inclined surface of thefixing unit are designed to minimize the Z-axis component of a shearingforce applied to the polarizing film, so that the fracture of thepolarizing film can be prevented in a peeling process.

Further, the present invention rotates at least one of the stage, thepeeling bar and the clamper or transfers at least one of the stage andthe clamper by considering tension applied to the polarizing film in apeeling process, so that tension can be uniformly applied to thepolarizing film. Therefore, both ends of the polarizing film are veryclose to the peeling bar at a peeling position in a peeling process, sothat the polarizing film can be stably peeled without fracture.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an apparatus for peeling a polarizing film froma panel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a stage of a peeling apparatus inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a stage conveying assembly inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a peeling assembly of apeeling apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a peeling unit and anaccelerant spray unit of a peeling assembly in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating a peeling unit of a peeling assemblyin accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a table showing variations in stress of a peeling surfacedepending on a gap between a peeling bar and the peeling surface at thesame peeling load.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing results of analyzing variations in stress ofa peeling surface depending on a gap between a peeling bar and thepeeling surface in case a peeling load is 9.81 N/mm.

FIG. 9 is a side view illustrating a peeling bar equipped with a rollerin accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a peeling bar equipped with aroller in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view illustrating parts of a peeling bar equippedwith a roller in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a table showing variations in stress of a peeling surfacedepending on variations in diameter of a roller.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing results of analyzing variations in stressof a peeling surface depending on variations in diameter of a roller incase a peeling load is 9.81 N/mm.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a clamping assembly of apeeling apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a clamping unit of a clampingassembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a table showing variations in the maximum stress depending ona peeling load.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing results of analyzing variations in themaximum stress depending on a peeling load.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a motion of a stage in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a concept view illustrating a peeling method in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a concept view illustrating a motion of a peeling apparatusimplementing a peeling method in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a spraying action of a peelingaccelerant in a peeling method in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 22 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for peeling a polarizingfilm from a panel in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

MODE FOR INVENTION

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference tothe accompanying drawings. However, well known or widely usedtechniques, elements, structures, and processes may not be described orillustrated in detail to avoid obscuring the essence of the presentinvention.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are notlimited to the bibliographical meanings, but are merely used by theinventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the presentinvention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in theart that the following description of various embodiments of the presentinvention is provided for illustration purpose only and not for thepurpose of limiting the present invention as defined by the appendedclaims and their equivalents.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an apparatus for peeling a polarizing film froma panel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, FIG.2 is a plan view illustrating a stage of a peeling apparatus inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is aperspective view illustrating a stage conveying assembly in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention. Additionally, FIG. 4 is aperspective view illustrating a peeling assembly of a peeling apparatusin accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is aperspective view illustrating a peeling unit and an accelerant sprayunit of a peeling assembly in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention, and FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating a peeling unitof a peeling assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

As shown in FIG. 1, a peeling apparatus 1000 for peeling a polarizingfilm from a panel includes a stage 1100, a stage conveying assembly1200, a peeling assembly 1300, a clamping assembly 1400, and acontroller 1500.

A panel to which a polarizing film is attached is mounted on the stage1100. The stage conveying assembly 1200 is located under the stage 1100and configured to rotate or convey the stage 1100. The peeling assembly1300 is configured to peel the polarizing film from the panel, allowinga stable peeling without the fracture of the polarizing film. Theclamping assembly 1400 is configured to clamp parts of the peeledpolarizing film. The controller 1500 controls the stage 1100, the stageconveying assembly 1200, the peeling assembly 1300, and the clampingassembly 1400 in order to peel the polarizing film from the panel.

Hereinafter, for comprehension, let's suppose that a side-to-side(horizontal) direction and an up-and-down (vertical) direction in a planview shown in FIG. 1 are the Y-axis direction or lengthwise directionand the X-axis direction or widthwise direction, respectively. Now, eachelement of the peeling apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent invention will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 2, the stage 1100 according to an embodiment of thisinvention includes a flat-type mounting area 1110 and an accelerantstorage 1120 located at the edge of the mounting area 1110. The panel towhich the polarizing film is attached is mounted on the mounting area1110. When the polarizing film is peeled from the panel on the mountingarea 1110, a peeling accelerant may be sprayed to assist peeling. Theaccelerant storage 1120 prevents the peeling accelerant from seepinginto the peeling apparatus 1000.

Meanwhile, the mounting area 1110 may have a plurality of flat-typeheaters 1130. These heaters 1130 apply heat to a peeling target (i.e.,the panel having the attached polarizing film) and reduce the adhesivestrength of adhesive. In this embodiment, the mounting area 1110 isheated uniformly through the plurality of heaters 1130 and can transferheat uniformly to the peeling target mounted thereon. Therefore, theadhesive may also be heated uniformly, so that any fracture of thepolarizing film due to partially residual adhesive can be prevented.Although the heaters 1130 are formed of four flat-type heaters 1130 a,1130 b, 1130 c and 1130 d in this embodiment, this is exemplary only andnot construed as a limitation.

Disposed at each heater 1130 are a superheat sensor 1140 for detectingan excessive heat more than a predetermined temperature, a supportingaxis 1150 for supporting the heater 1130, a temperature sensor 1160 formeasuring a temperature of the stage 1100, and a heater power supplier1170 for supplying electric power to each heater 1130.

The stage conveying assembly 1200 is located under the stage 1100 andconfigured to convey the stage 1100. As shown in FIG. 3, the stageconveying assembly 1200 includes servo motors 1210 and 1220, a linearmotion guide 1230, a servo cam driver 1240, a reducer 1250, and asupporting plate 1260. The servo motors 1210 and 1220 offer drivingpower for a rotary motion or linear motion of the stage conveyingassembly 1200. The linear motion guide 1230 guides a linear motion ofthe stage conveying assembly 1200. The servo cam driver 1240 receivesdriving power from the servo motors 1210 and 1220 and then offers rotarypower for rotating the stage 1100. The reducer 1250 may be used for areliable connection between the servo motors 1210 and 1220 and the servocam driver 1240. The supporting plate 1260 is connected with a lowerportion of the stage 1100, supports the stage 1100, and delivers rotarypower of the servo cam driver 1250 to the stage 1100.

The peeling assembly 1300 is configured to peel the polarizing film fromthe panel, allowing a stable peeling without the fracture of thepolarizing film. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the peeling assembly 1300includes a peeling unit 1310, an accelerant spray unit 1320, and apeeling transfer unit 1330.

The peeling unit 1310 includes a moving member 1311, a base frame 1312,a joint member 1313, a peeling bar 1314, a low-frictional cylinder 1315,a rotating bar 1316, and a height adjusting handle 1317. The movingmember 1311 is an L-shaped member. In this embodiment, two movingmembers 1311 are used such that inner side surfaces thereof face eachother and lower surfaces thereof are installed on a guide rail 1321.Therefore, the moving members 1311 allow the peeling unit 1310 to movealong the guide rail 1321. The base frame 1312 is installed between theinner side surfaces of the moving members 1311. The base frame 1312 andthe moving members 1311 are connected with and supported by each other.The joint member 1313 is formed at one side of the base frame 1312 in alengthwise direction. The joint member 1313 connects the base frame 1312and the peeling bar 1314. The peeling bar 1314 is extended in awidthwise and has an inclined upper surface. Both ends of the peelingbar 1314 are connected with the low-frictional cylinder 1315. Using thelow-frictional cylinder 1315 and the joint member 1313, the peelingmember 1314 can be rotated to a certain degree on the Z-axis. A rotationsensor (not shown) for detecting the rotation of the peeling bar 1314 onthe Z-axis of the joint member 1313 may be connected with the jointmember 1313. The rotating bar 1316 is formed to be extended in awidthwise and spaced apart from the peeling bar 1314, being parallelwith the peeling bar 1314. Specifically, the rotating bar 1316 is closerto the base frame 1312 than the peeling bar 1314 and also is locatedabove the peeling bar 1314. The rotating bar 1316 can be rotated on theX-axis.

The height adjusting handle 1317 adjusts the height of the peeling unit1310. When a gap between the peeling bar 1314 and a peeled position(i.e., a peeling surface) is smaller, less serious fracture is caused tothe polarizing film being peeled. The reason is that a smaller distancefrom the peeling bar 1314 to the peeling surface increases a restoringforce of the bent polarizing film and thus reduces stress. This resultcan be ascertained by experimental results shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Asshown in FIGS. 7 and 8, even though a peeling load is unchanged, asmaller gap between the peeling bar 1314 and the peeling surface canreduce stress applied to the peeling surface and thus decrease a damageof the polarizing film being peeled. However, since components fordriving the screen are protruded from the panel, a gap between thepeeling bar 1314 and the peeling surface may not be reduced unlimitedly.This embodiment keeps a narrow gap between the peeling bar 1314 and thepeeling surface by adjusting the height of the peeling unit 1310 throughthe height adjusting handle 1317 and, if necessary, may widen the gap.

The accelerant spray unit 1320 includes a table cylinder 1321, asupporting member 1322, a supporting bar 1323, and a spray 1324. Thetable cylinder 1321 is connected with each of two moving members 1311 ina longitudinal direction. The supporting member 1322 is combined withthe table cylinder 1321 in the form of being extended in a longitudinaldirection. The supporting bar 1323 is connected between two supportingmembers 1322. A plurality of sprays 1324 are disposed on the supportingbar 1323 and spray peeling accelerant. In this embodiment, peelingaccelerant may be water.

The peeling transfer unit 1330 transfers the peeling unit 1310 in thelengthwise direction (the Y-axis direction). For this, the peelingtransfer unit 1330 may have a guide rail 1331 and a power provider 1332.The guide rail 1331 offers a guide for transferring the peeling unit1310 in the lengthwise direction. The power provider 1332 offers adriving force for transferring the peeling unit 1310. In thisembodiment, the power provider 1332 may include a meter box, adecelerator, and a servo motor.

The peeling bar 1314 of the peeling unit 1310 leads the polarizing filmto be peeled stably without fracture when the polarizing film is peeledfrom the panel. For this, the peeling bar 1314 moves above a peelingposition of the polarizing film such that the polarizing film may not bepeeled steeply with the progress of a peeling process. The peeledpolarizing film is in contact with the end part of the peeling bar 1314.At this time, in order to reduce friction between the polarizing filmand the peeling bar 1314, the end part of the peeling bar 1314 takes acurved form. Meanwhile, the rotating bar 1316 rotates freely such thatthe peeled polarizing film can move freely.

Now, a detailed configuration of the peeling bar having a rollerequipped at the end part in an embodiment of this invention will bedescribed with reference to additional drawings. FIG. 9 is a side viewillustrating a peeling bar equipped with a roller in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. Also, FIG. 10 is a perspective viewillustrating a peeling bar equipped with a roller in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. And also, FIG. 11 is an enlargedview illustrating parts of a peeling bar equipped with a roller inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, a peeling bar 2000 includes a guide unit2100, a fixing unit 2200, and a roller 2300. The guide unit 2100 givessupport to the peeling bar 2000 so as to prevent bending or sagging. Thefixing unit 2200 is combined with the front part of the guide unit 2100.A coupling member 2110 may be used for a combination between the fixingunit 220 and the guide unit 2100. The fixing unit 2200 has bothsidewalls 2210 and an inclined surface 2220. The inclined surface 2220connects an upper part of the roller 2300 with the guide unit 2100. Theroller 2300 is installed rotatably on the fixing unit 2200. In thisembodiment, in order to prevent the sagging of the roller 2300, thepeeling bar 2000 may have a plurality of rollers 2300, dividedindividually at a predetermined length, and a plurality of fixing units2200 corresponding thereto. In a peeling process, the plurality ofrollers 2300 can reduce friction between the polarizing film and thepeeling bar 2000, thus preventing the fracture of the polarizing film.

Specifically, the roller 2300 is combined with the fixing unit 2200through a rotation axis 2310. The rotation axis 2310 is located acrossboth sidewalls 2210 of the fixing unit 2200 and combined with bothsidewalls 2210 through a washer 2311 and a bearing 2312. For a stablecombination of the bearing 2312, a bearing holder 2230 is formed betweenboth sidewalls 2210 a and 2210 b of the adjacent fixing units 2200. Likethe inclined surface 2220 of the fixing unit 2200, the bearing holder2230 is inclined from the guide unit 2100 and has a curved surface atthe end part thereof. In this embodiment, the fixing unit 2200, thebearing 2312 and the bearing holder 2230 may be formed of SUS foranti-corrosion. The washer 2311 may be formed of acetal resin.

A magnetic unit 2400 may be mounted inside the fixing unit 2200. Themagnetic unit 2400 is located apart from the roller 2300 between theguide unit 2100 and the roller 2300 and prevents, by a magnetic force,the rotation axis 2100 of the roller 2300 from sagging due to gravity.The size of the magnetic unit 2400 or the strength of a magnetic forcemay be adjustable depending on the length, material, etc. of therotation axis 2100. In another embodiment, the magnetic unit 2400 may beelectromagnet, and the control unit 1500 may control a magnetic strengthof the magnetic unit 2400.

When the polarizing film is peeled from the panel, the shape of theinclined surface 2220 of the fixing unit 2200 and the roller 2300 beingin direct contact with the polarizing film has effect on fracture of thepolarizing film. The reason is that the polarizing film being peeled ismoved while keeping in contact with the roller 2300 and the inclinedsurface 2220. In this embodiment, the radius of the roller 2300 and theinclined angle (θ) are adjusted to minimize the fracture of thepolarizing film. For this, the radius of the roller 2300 is formed torange from 4 mm to 30 mm, preferably, at 5 mm. Also, the inclined angle(θ) is formed to range from 20 degrees to 40 degrees, preferably, 30degrees.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, when a peeling load is unchanged, a smallertip diameter of the roller 2300 reduces stress occurring at the peelingsurface, so that the fracture of the polarizing film can be minimized ina peeling process. The reason that a smaller tip diameter of the roller2300 reduces stress occurring at the peeling surface is that a smallertip diameter of the roller 2300 facilitates the deformation of thepolarizing film even in an unchanged load and thus allows the polarizingfilm to be bent easily in a peeling direction, and also that a smallertip diameter of the roller 2300 reduces a distance between the roller2300 and the peeling surface, increases a restoring force of the bentpolarizing film, and thus causes a reduction in stress. Like this, thefracture of the polarizing film can be prevented in a peeling process asthe tip diameter (or radius) of the roller 2300 is reduced. However, anexcessively small diameter of the roller 2300, such as a tip diameter of5 mm at a peeling load of 16.35 N/mm, may invite any damage at theroller 2300. Therefore, the diameter of the roller 2300 should bereduced within the limits of causing no damage of the roller 2300. Inthis embodiment, it is desirable that the diameter of the roller 2300 is10 mm (i.e., a radius of 5 mm).

In another embodiment, a low-frictional pad may be attached to theinclined surface 2220. The low-frictional pad attached to the inclinedsurface 2220 is in contact with the polarizing film being peeled. Thelow-frictional pad is formed of material having a low coefficient offriction in order to reduce a frictional force applied to the polarizingfilm and hence prevent the fracture of the polarizing film in a peelingprocess. In still another embodiment, the inclined surface 2220 may becoated with fluorine to reduce a frictional force.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a clamping assembly of apeeling apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a clamping unit ofa clamping assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 16 is a table showing variations in the maximum stressdepending on a peeling load. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing results ofanalyzing variations in the maximum stress depending on a peeling load.FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a motion of a stage in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 14 to 18, the clamping assembly 1400 includes a fixingaxis 1410, a fixing bar 1420, an X-axis transfer unit 1430, a Y-axistransfer unit 1440, a Z-axis transfer unit 1450, and a clamping unit1460.

The fixing bar 1420 is extended in the Y-axis direction. The fixing axis1410 supports the fixing bar 1420 such that the fixing bar 1420 is fixedat a predetermined height at both ends thereof.

The clamping unit 1460 is mounted on the X-axis transfer unit 1430,which is mounted on the Z-axis transfer unit 1450. Also, the Z-axistransfer unit 1450 is mounted on the Y-axis transfer unit 1440, which ismounted on the fixing bar 1420. The Y-axis transfer unit 1440 transfersthe Z-axis transfer unit 1450 in the Y-axis direction, the Z-axistransfer unit 1450 transfers the X-axis transfer unit 1430 in the Z-axisdirection, and the X-axis transfer unit 1430 transfers the clamping unit1460 in the X-axis direction. Therefore, the X-axis transfer unit 1430,the Y-axis transfer unit 1440 and the Z-axis transfer unit 1450 cantransfer the clamping unit 1460 in the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axisdirections as needed.

The clamping unit 1460 has a fixing member 1461, a clamper 1462, a jointmember 1463, a rotation sensor 1464, and a tension sensor 1465. Theclamping unit 1460 is fixed to the X-axis transfer unit 1430 through thefixing member 1461. The clamper 1462 clamps a part of the peeledpolarizing film. For this, the clamper 1462 may have a supporting memberand a cylinder. The clamper 1462 may adjust a peeling load applied tothe polarizing film by regulating a pressure applied to the cylinder. Asshown in FIGS. 16 and 17, when a peeling load increases, bending of thepolarizing film decreases at the peeling surface. Therefore, stress isreduced and peeling performance is improved. However, if a peeling loadexceeds a critical value, the maximum stress may be generated at theroller 2300 and thereby a possibility that the roller 2300 will bedamaged is increased. Accordingly, for effective peeling, it is requiredto increase a peeling load without damage of the roller 2300.

The joint member 1463 allows the clamper 1462 to rotate on the Z-axiswithin a certain range, using a rotating force outputted from a servomotor or the like. Although it is described in this embodiment that theclamper 1462 rotates on the Z-axis, any other rotation on the other axisor plural axes can be possible.

The rotation sensor 1464 detects a rotation angle of the clamper 1462.In this embodiment, the rotation sensor 1464 may be, but not limited to,a rotary encoder or a potential meter. The tension sensor 1465 candetect tension applied to the polarizing film. The tension sensor 1465may be a load cell.

When any tension occurs at the polarizing film being peeled, the clamper1462 rotates in a certain direction by means of tension. At this time,information about tension and rotation angle detected by the rotationsensor 1464 and the tension sensor 1465 is offered to the controller1500. Therefore, the controller 1500 can recognize tension and aresultant rotation angle of the clamper 1462 and thereby control therotation of at least one of the stage 1100, the clamper 1462 and thepeeling bar 1314 to maintain uniform tension of the polarizing filmbeing peeled. Namely, by controlling at least one of the stage 1100, theclamper 1462 and the peeling bar 1314, no stress concentration occursand thus tension can be uniformly applied to the entire polarizing film.For this, it is possible to allow both ends of the polarizing film to bevery close to the peeling bar. In order to minimize the fracture of thepolarizing film in a peeling process, it is required to make both endsof the polarizing film be very close to the peeling bar at a peelingposition. Namely, if any end of the polarizing film gets loose or moveswhile a peeling process is performed, a possibility of fracture isincreased. In this embodiment, by controlling at least one of the stage1100, the clamper 1462 and the peeling bar 1314 to rotate, both ends ofthe polarizing film can be very close to the peeling bar 1314 and alsothe fracture of the polarizing film can be prevented in a peelingprocess.

In an embodiment, the stage 1100 has various motions. As shown in part(a) of FIG. 18, the stage 1100 can move linearly in X-axis and Y-axisdirections under the control of the stage conveying assembly 1200. In anembodiment, a peeling process for peeling the polarizing film from thepanel may be performed through the movement of the stage 1100.Additionally, the movement of the stage 1100 allows both ends of thepolarizing film to be very close to the peeling bar 1314.

As shown in part (b) of FIG. 18, the stage 1100 can rotate as well asmove linearly. Such rotation of the stage 1100 can be made in two types.In an embodiment, the controller 1500 may actively rotate the stage 1100by controlling the stage conveying assembly 1200. Namely, the stage 1100is mounted to the stage conveying assembly 1200 through a driving axisand is rotated by the rotation of the driving axis. This makes itpossible to actively control the rotation of the stage 1100 in a peelingprocess, so that tension can be adjusted at both widthwise ends of thepolarizing film by means of control. It is therefore possible to makeboth widthwise ends of the polarizing film be very close to the peelingbar at a peeling position.

In another embodiment, the stage 1100 is mounted to the stage conveyingassembly 1200 so as to be freely rotated. Namely, when any externalforce is applied to the stage 1100, the stage 1100 may rotate freely. Inthis case, an external force (i.e., tension) applied to the polarizingfilm is delivered to the stage 1100, and a free rotation of the stage1100 allows tension to be applied uniformly to the entire polarizingfilm. Therefore, the fracture of the polarizing film can be prevented ina peeling process.

Now, a peeling method according to an embodiment of the presentinvention will be described. FIG. 19 is a concept view illustrating apeeling method in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 20 is a concept view illustrating a motion of a peelingapparatus implementing a peeling method in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a sprayingaction of a peeling accelerant in a peeling method in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a flow diagramillustrating a method for peeling a polarizing film from a panel inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 19 to 22, in order to peel the polarizing film fromthe panel in the peeling method according to an embodiment, the panel 10to which the polarizing film 20 is attached is placed on the stage 1100(S110). After the panel 10 is placed on the stage 1100, the stage 1100is moved to a clamping position. In another embodiment, the clamper 1462may be moved instead of the stage 1100. In still another embodiment,both the stage 1100 and the clamper 1462 may be moved together.

When the stage 1100 is moved to the clamping position, a part of thepolarizing film 20 attached to the panel 10 is peeled and fixed to theclamper 1462 of the clamping unit (S120). In order to peel a part of thepolarizing film 20, the panel 10 may be heated. At this time, since thestage 1100 can deliver heat uniformly to the entire panel 10 through aplurality of flat-type heaters, no fracture occurs at the polarizingfilm 20 in a peeling process. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 19, whenfixing a part of the polarizing film 20 to the clamper 1462, the peeledpolarizing film 20 keeps in contact with the roller of the peeling bar1314. Namely, the peeled polarizing film 20 is fixed to the clamper1462, keeping in contact with the roller of the peeling bar 1314 and therotating bar 1316. It is therefore possible to prevent the peeledpolarizing film 20 from being bent steeply and thus to prevent thefracture of the polarizing film in a peeling process.

When a part of the polarizing film 20 is fixed to the clamper 1462, apeeling process for the polarizing film 20 is performed (S130). Thisprocess accompanies the movement of at least one of the stage 1100 andthe clamper 1462. In order to peel the polarizing film 20, the panel 10may be heated uniformly through a plurality of flat-type heaters andthus the fracture of the polarizing film 20 is prevented during thepeeling process. Additionally, the cylinder of the clamper 1462 canadjust a peeling load applied to the polarizing film 20 in the peelingprocess by regulating a pressure applied thereto.

While the polarizing film 20 is peeled, at least one of the stage 1100and the clamper 1462 may be moved such that both ends of the polarizingfilm 20 can be very close to the peeling bar 1314 and also such thatuniform tension can be applied to the peeled polarizing film 20. Namely,one or both of the stage 1100 and the clamper 1462 may be moved.Therefore, both ends of the polarizing film 20 closely adhere to thepeeling bar 1314, so that the polarizing film 20 can be peeled stablywithout fracture.

Additionally, in this embodiment, at least one of the stage 1100, thepeeling bar 1314 and the clamper 1462 may be rotated in the peelingprocess such that the peeled polarizing film 20 can have uniform tensionin a widthwise direction. The controller can detect tension applied tothe polarizing film and a rotation angle through the tension sensor andthe rotation sensor of the clamping unit, the rotation sensor connectedwith the joint member of the peeling unit, and the like. Based on suchsensing values, the controller can rotate at least one of the stage1100, the peeling bar 1314 and the clamper 1462 so as to obtain uniformtension.

In another embodiment, the stage 1100 may be installed to be freelyrotated by any external force, so that the stage 1100 can be rotated bytension applied to the peeled polarizing film 20. In this case, withoutany control of the controller, the stage 1100 may rotate in anydirection for equalizing tension applied to the polarizing film 20 in awidthwise direction. Namely, if tension applied widthwise to thepolarizing film 20 is not uniform, the stage 1100 may be rotated freelyin a direction for uniform tension.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21, the peeling accelerant may besprayed to the peeling position during the peeling process. The peelingaccelerant may be water, and the sprayed peeling accelerant removesclearly adhesive. The peeling accelerant may be jetted through thesprays.

When the polarizing film 20 is completely peeled, the peeled polarizingfilm 20 is discharged (S140). Then the controller moves the stage 1100to a position for unloading the panel 10.

When the stage 1100 is moved to a given position, the panel 10 isunloaded from the stage 1100 (S150). Thereafter, in order to peelanother polarizing film from another panel, the stage 1100 is moved to aposition for placing the panel.

The method for peeling the polarizing film from the panel by thecontroller in accordance with the present invention may be implementedin a software form being readable through various computing manners andrecorded in a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium maycontain a program command, a data file, a data structure, etc.separately or in combination. The program command recorded in thestorage medium may be specially designed for this invention or wellknown to those skilled in the computer software industry. For example,the storage medium may include magnetic media such as a hard disk, afloppy disk, and a magnetic tape, optical media such as a Compact DiscRead Only Memory (CD-ROM) and a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD),magneto-optical media such as a floptical disk, and hardware devicesspecially configured to store and perform a program instruction, such asa Read Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a flash memoryand the like. Such program instructions may include high class languagecodes, which can be executed in a computer by using an interpreter, aswell as machine codes made by a compiler. The aforementioned hardwaredevice may be configured to operate as one or more software modules inorder to perform the operation of various embodiments of the presentdisclosure, and vice versa.

While this invention has been particularly shown and described withreference to an exemplary embodiment thereof, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may bemade therein without departing from the spirit and scope of thisinvention as defined by the appended claims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention relates to a peeling bar, apparatus, and methodfor peeling a polarizing film from a panel. This invention may minimizefriction between the peeling bar and the polarizing film since thepeeled polarizing film is in contact with a roller of the peeling bar.It is therefore possible to prevent the fracture of the polarizing filmwhen the polarizing film is detached.

This invention may be used at the manufacture of a panel of an imagedisplay device and also can stably peel the polarizing film from thepanel without the fracture of the polarizing film due to non-uniformtension applied to the polarizing film.

1. A peeling bar for peeling a polarizing film from a panel, the peelingbar comprising: a guide unit; a fixing unit combined with a front partof the guide unit; and a roller installed rotatably on the fixing unitand configured to prevent fracture of the polarizing film being peeled.2. The peeling bar of claim 1, further comprising: a magnetic unitmounted apart from the roller and configured to prevent a rotation axisof the roller from sagging.
 3. The peeling bar of claim 1, wherein aradius of the roller ranges from 4 mm to 30 mm.
 4. The peeling bar ofclaim 1, wherein the fixing unit includes an inclined surface configuredto connect an upper part of the roller with the guide unit, and aninclined angle of the inclined surface ranges from 20 degrees to 40degrees.
 5. The peeling bar of claim 1, wherein the roller is combinedwith the fixing unit through a bearing and a washer.
 6. A peelingapparatus for peeling a polarizing film from a panel, the peelingapparatus comprising: a stage configured to place thereon the panelhaving the polarizing film attached thereto; a clamper configured toclamp a part of the polarizing film peeled from the panel; a peeling barset forth in claim 1, wherein the peeling bar is configured to be movedon the polarizing film being peeled to prevent the polarizing film frombeing bent steeply when the polarizing film is peeled from the panel;and a controller configured to move at least one of the stage and theclamper to peel the polarizing film such that tension is uniformlyapplied to the polarizing film by preventing stress concentration at apeeling position of the polarizing film.
 7. The peeling apparatus ofclaim 6, wherein the controller is further configured to rotate at leastone of the stage, the peeling bar and the clamper and thereby to makeboth ends of the peeled polarizing film closely adhere to the peelingbar such that tension is applied uniformly to the polarizing film at thepeeling position.
 8. The peeling apparatus of claim 6, wherein the stageis installed to be freely rotated by an external force, and wherein thestage is rotated by tension applied to the polarizing film, and therebyboth ends of the peeled polarizing film closely adhere to the peelingbar such that tension is applied uniformly to the polarizing film at thepeeling position.
 9. The peeling apparatus of claim 6, wherein thecontroller is further configured to move at least one of the stage andthe clamper and thereby to make both ends of the peeled polarizing filmclosely adhere to the peeling bar such that tension is applied uniformlyto the polarizing film at the peeling position.
 10. The peelingapparatus of claim 6, further comprising: an accelerant spray unitconfigured to spray a peeling accelerant to the peeling position. 11.The peeling apparatus of claim 10, wherein the stage includes anaccelerant storage configured to prevent the peeling accelerant fromseeping.
 12. The peeling apparatus of claim 6, wherein the stageincludes a plurality of flat-type heaters configured to apply heatuniformly to an entire surface thereof.
 13. The peeling apparatus ofclaim 6, wherein the peeling bar is adjustable in height.
 14. Thepeeling apparatus of claim 6, wherein the clamper is configured toadjust a peeling load applied to the polarizing film in a peelingprocess.
 15. A peeling method for peeling a polarizing film from apanel, the peeling method comprising steps of: placing on a stage thepanel having the polarizing film attached thereto; fixing a part of thepeeled polarizing film to a clamper after the part of the polarizingfilm is peeled from the panel, wherein a peeling bar is located at apeeling position, and wherein the peeled polarizing film is in contactwith a roller of the peeling bar; and peeling the polarizing film bymoving at least one of the clamper and the stage, wherein the polarizingfilm being in contact with the roller of the peeling bar is preventedfrom being bent steeply.
 16. The peeling method of claim 15, wherein thepeeling step includes rotating at least one of the stage, the peelingbar and the clamper, and thereby making both ends of the peeledpolarizing film closely adhere to the peeling bar such that tension isapplied uniformly to the polarizing film at the peeling position. 17.The peeling method of claim 15, wherein the peeling step includes, whenthe stage is installed to be freely rotated by an external force,allowing the stage to be rotated by tension applied to the polarizingfilm, and thereby allowing both ends of the peeled polarizing film toclosely adhere to the peeling bar such that tension is applied uniformlyto the polarizing film at the peeling position.
 18. The peeling methodof claim 15, wherein the peeling step includes moving at least one ofthe stage and the clamper, and thereby making both ends of the peeledpolarizing film closely adhere to the peeling bar such that tension isapplied uniformly to the polarizing film at the peeling position. 19.The peeling method of claim 15, wherein the peeling step includesspraying a peeling accelerant to the peeling position.
 20. The peelingmethod of claim 15, wherein at least one of the fixing step and thepeeling step includes applying heat to the panel through a plurality offlat-type heaters installed to apply heat uniformly to an entire surfaceof the stage.